Last Updated on March 12, 2024 by Suzy McCullough
I don’t know about you but we love a good swim. We also love to visit pools that have something more than just a pool. Or even visit an outdoor swimming pool. We have compiled a list of the best family-friendly pools across the 4 counties of Yorkshire. There is something to suit young and old at most and hopefully, this post will make choosing a little easier for you.
Please note that some of these places require you to pre-book online in advance. For others, pre-booking is recommended to secure your place and some are walk-in only. Please check their websites before visiting, especially with regard to the open times of all of their water facilities. There may also be a charge to park.
Alpamare UK – North Yorkshire
A Bit About – Alpamare is a large indoor and outdoor waterpark on the outskirts of Scarborough in North Yorkshire. Please note that Alpamare UK is now only open seasonally in the spring and summer.
It features 3 large slides, a splash area with fun water games and smaller slides. Plus there is an indoor wave pool. Outdoors there are two pools complete with whirlpools and bubble recliners, the outdoor pools are heated to a warm 35.
Cost – This is the most expensive of Yorkshire’s waterparks. A peak ticket costs around £19.00 for an adult, £15 for a child aged 6-15 and £9 for 1-5 year-olds. Evening and off-peak tickets can be a few £s cheaper. Under 5s are free.
Address: 28 Burniston Rd, Scarborough YO12 6PH
Calypso Cove Waterpark – South Yorkshire
A Bit About – This waterpark is located in the Metrodome Leisure Complex close to the centre of Barnsley in South Yorkshire.
The waterpark has a pirate theme throughout. There is an interactive splash zone for children under 8 years. There is a pool you can swim in plus a pool with a wave machine. They have high diving boards, a pirate ship for slightly older kids and four water slides where you can race against each other. Calypso Cove also has three bigger slides.
Cost – Prices are £11.50 for an adult at peak time, £9.50 for a junior aged 3-15. Under 3’s are £3.50 and a family ticket is £40.00. Off-peak, no slide sessions and little Finn sessions may be cheaper.
Address: Metrodome Leisure Complex Queens Ground, Queens Rd, Barnsley S71 1AN
Doncaster Dome – South Yorkshire
A Bit About – The Doncaster Dome is home to a number of leisure facilities including a waterpark. They are located close to the centre of Doncaster
There are 7 pools with different fun things to do. There are water flumes including a river safari family slide. Plus waterfalls, geysers, jets and an outdoor swimming pool with wild water rapids. Younger ones aren’t left out as there is an area especially for them with a slide, waterfalls and cannons.
Cost – Big Splash Sessions cost less online, £8.00 for an adult, £5.50 for a junior and under 3s are £3. Ice skating costs £7 for an adult, £5 for a junior and £2.50 for under 3s.
Address: Doncaster Lakeside, Bawtry Rd, Doncaster DN4 7PD
East Riding Leisure Bridlington – East Yorkshire
A Bit About – The East Riding Leisure Centre is located in the heart of Bridlington on the seafront. You can even see the sea from the pool’s windows.
There is a large swimming pool. Plus a smaller family pool with a depth of just 0.9 metres, which is perfect for kids learning to swim. There is a shallower area with a fun splash pad including a mini tube slide and smaller slides, beware of the tipping bucket. They also have two larger slides.
Cost – Splash sessions – adult £5.95, child 3-15 £3.98. Under 3s are free.
Address: East Riding Leisure, Promenade, Bridlington YO15 2QQ
Hillsborough Leisure Centre – South Yorkshire
A Bit About – The Leisure Centre is located in the Hillsborough area of Sheffield, a short drive from the city centre.
The Beach has a Leisure Pool, a baby pool and a fun pirate ship. Plus there is a slide, a flume and a wave machine in the pool. There is also a separate pool that is mostly set out for lane swimming.
Cost – Adults £8, children £4.50 and under 3s are £2.
Address: Beulah Rd, Sheffield S6 2AN
Huddersfield Leisure Centre KAL – West Yorkshire
A Bit About – The KAL, Huddersfield Leisure Centre is located on the southern edge of the town.
There is a fun splash park with a range of water features and slides for younger children. Older children and adults will love the larger slides. There are lots of family-friendly water-based fun with water buckets, water jets, a lazy river, slides and a small fun pool.
Cost – Tickets are cheaper if booked online. Adults are £5.95, children aged 3-15 £4.50, under 3s are free.
Address: Spring Grove St, Huddersfield HD1 4BP
Ponds Forge International Sports Centre – South Yorkshire
A Bit About – Ponds Forge is located on the eastern edge of the city centre of Sheffield.
As well as there being a large swimming pool they also have a great leisure pool. There is a baby and toddler pool bursting with features including a mini slide and an interactive sensory wall. There is a leisure pod, a lazy river and a wave machine.
Cost – Leisure swim £8 an adult, £4.50 a child and under 3s are £2. Members swim for free.
Address: Sheaf St, Sheffield City Centre, Sheffield S1 2BP
Woodford Leisure Centre – East Yorkshire
A Bit About – The Woodford Leisure Centre is located a short drive out of the main centre of Hull. It is situated next to the popular East Park.
The pool has recently been upgraded and there is now a new six-lane swimming pool plus a new teaching pool. There is a pirate water slide with a shipwrecked boat and cannons. The roof is especially cool as it is made of glass so you can see the world outside without getting cold or wet. There are other slides and a wave pool plus a sauna and steam room.
Cost – Adults £4.90, children £2.75 and under 5s are free.
Address: Holderness Rd, Hull HU8 8JU
York Leisure Centre – North Yorkshire
A Bit About – York Leisure Centre is located in the out-of-town retail and leisure area of Monk’s Cross, a short drive away from the city centre.
The Leisure Centre was opened in 2021, It has a 25-metre swimming pool plus a shallower learner pool. Kids will love the brightly coloured splash play area. There are lots of fun things to turn, tipping buckets, a mini slide and more.
Cost – Adult non-members £5.90 and children are £4.50.
Address: Kathryn Avenue, Monks Cross Dr, Huntington, York YO32 9AF
4 Of The Best Outdoor Swimming Pools in Yorkshire
Helmsley Open Air Swimming Pool – North Yorkshire
A Bit About – Helmsley Open Air Swimming Pool is a seasonal pool located in Helmsley around 30 minutes drive east of York.
They have a 25-metre heated outdoor pool. The pool is run by a charity and they provide affordable swimming with a ‘holiday atmosphere’. The pool opens in late May and runs until the start of the autumn. They run 4 sessions a day rain or shine. There is paving and grass around the pool.
Cost – Adults £5.95, children age 4-16 £3.95 and under 4s are free.
Address: Baxton’s Sprunt, Helmsley, York YO62 5HT
Ilkley Pool and Lido – West Yorkshire
A Bit About – The Ilkley Pool and Lido is located on the edge of the village of Ilkley near the Riverside Gardens.
Take the plunge at one of the country’s few remaining outdoor pools. The pool is set in picturesque and tranquil settings with great views over Ilkley Moor. There is a 25 x 11-metre pool. The pool is heated and is open seasonally from May until September. The pool has a small slide.
Cost – Adults £5.60, children £2.90 and under 3s are free.
Address: Denton Rd, Ilkley LS29 0BZ
Albert Avenue Lido – West Yorkshire
A Bit About – Following an £11m rebuild and refurbishment Albert Avenue Pools and Fitness has undergone a dramatic transformation with significant internal and exterior upgrades.
Outdoors the lido has been completely refurbished and repurposed for outdoor swimming and water play and will be heated seasonally from May through to September with the lido heated to an average of 28 degrees celcius.
Cost – Adults £5.50, children £3.50 and under 5s are free.
Address: 94 Albert Ave, Anlaby Rd, Hull HU3 6QE
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